Organic Wastewater Chemicals in the Maryland Coastal Bays

Objectives

The proposed project will be a cooperative effort between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the U.S Geological Survey (USGS). The objective of this project is to conduct a baseline study of organic wastewater compounds (OWC) in selected areas of the Maryland Coastal Bays to assist in evaluating sources and extent of wastewater impacts. This study will focus on sampling in two contrasting subwatersheds- the heavily developed St. Martins River and the predominantly agricultural Johnsons Bay. A few additional samples will be collected near suspected septic-waste impacted areas in Chincoteague Bay. Analytes will be similar to those measured in the USGS national surveys of OWC (Kolpin and others, 2002, 2004) and will include many chemicals that are associated with human or agricultural waste stream: pharmaceuticals, personal-care products, flame retardants, cleaning products and chemical surfactants, steroids, antibiotics, pesticides, and combustion products (Table 1).

Statement of Problem

The Maryland Coastal Bays experience significant water-quality degradation related to nutrient inputs from various sources. In response to the water-quality decline, hydrologic and water-quality data have been collected in the Maryland Coastal Bays since the early 1970's. Recent water-quality surveys in the region showed excessive nutrient concentrations and nitrogen-isotope signatures that indicated possible human-derived sources (Jones and others, 2004; Fertig and others, 2006). The surveys presented evidence of local freshwater and nutrient inputs inshore for Public Landing and Johnson's Bay as well as a flushing gradient in the St Martins River. These areas had a poor water quality index due to high total phosphorus, high nitrogen, high turbidity and low dissolved oxygen, which are detrimental to natural habitats and could cause a decline in the numbers of fish, crabs, birds and other wildlife.

Determining the sources, impacts, and extent of human-derived inputs in this marine system with multiple potential point and non-point sources has been difficult with traditional physical and water quality monitoring techniques. Recent development of analytical techniques for a variety of organic wastewater compounds have provided an additional water quality monitoring tool that will assist in evaluating sources and extent of anthropogenic inputs to ground water and surface water (Cahill and others, 2004; Kolpin and others, 2002, 2004). Contamination from agricultural and/or human wastewater is problematic to the health of the aquatic resources in the bays and tributaries, and to the safety of local residents and visitors. In order to determine the best approach to protect and restore the Maryland Coastal Bays, an understanding of the relative distribution and contribution of potential sources of contamination is necessary.

Strategy and Approach

1. Site Selection
Location will include ground water and surface water sites. USGS will coordinate with DNR to select sampling locations. Sampling will be conducted by DNR and the University of Maryland with assistance by USGS personnel to ensure proper sampling procedures.

2. Analyze samples for OWC
Samples will be sent to the USGS National Water Quality Laboratory for analysis. Quality control and assurance checks will be done to verify data. All data will then be compiled and submitted to DNR for compilation in a DNR report. USGS will assist DNR as appropriate to present and interpret the data in the report. Approximately 25 samples will be collected for the analysis of OWC (Table 1); some of these will be selected to have additional tests for pharmaceutical chemicals (Table 2). The list of compounds in the schedules may vary.